- A
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
Why wrong: A WLAN is designed for a single building or campus and typically requires access points and infrastructure, which may be more complex and costly for three separate buildings.
- B
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
A WPAN covers short distances (up to 200 meters) and can connect devices across buildings without cables, making it ideal for this scenario.
- C
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why wrong: A MAN covers a larger geographic area, such as a city, and is typically used for connecting multiple LANs over a wider distance, which is overkill for three buildings within 200 meters.
- D
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Why wrong: A WAN spans large geographic areas like states or countries and often relies on internet connections, which is not required here.
220-1201 Network Types Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of network types. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A small business owner wants to set up a network that covers three separate buildings within a 200-meter radius, with no internet access required between them. They need a simple, low-cost solution that can be installed quickly without running cables between buildings. Which network type should be recommended?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
A Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) is designed for short-range, ad-hoc connections between devices within a limited area, such as between buildings within 200 meters using technologies like Bluetooth or Zigbee. It meets the requirement of low cost and no cabling. A WLAN would require wireless access points and infrastructure, a MAN covers a larger area like a city, and a WAN is for wide-area connectivity typically requiring internet.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
Why it's wrong here
A WLAN is designed for a single building or campus and typically requires access points and infrastructure, which may be more complex and costly for three separate buildings.
- ✓
Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN)
Why this is correct
A WPAN covers short distances (up to 200 meters) and can connect devices across buildings without cables, making it ideal for this scenario.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Why it's wrong here
A MAN covers a larger geographic area, such as a city, and is typically used for connecting multiple LANs over a wider distance, which is overkill for three buildings within 200 meters.
- ✗
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Why it's wrong here
A WAN spans large geographic areas like states or countries and often relies on internet connections, which is not required here.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1201 question test?
Network Types — This question tests Network Types — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) — A Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) is designed for short-range, ad-hoc connections between devices within a limited area, such as between buildings within 200 meters using technologies like Bluetooth or Zigbee. It meets the requirement of low cost and no cabling. A WLAN would require wireless access points and infrastructure, a MAN covers a larger area like a city, and a WAN is for wide-area connectivity typically requiring internet.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1201 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
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